EAST LONDON- The Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA) and Buffalo City Tourism kicked off a thrilling three-day media tour in East London on 26 August 2025. The tour, led by tourist guide Siseko Yelani from UNcuthu Tourism showcased the city’s rich history, cultural heritage and adrenaline-pumping sports feats.
On the first day of the tour, visitors were taken to significant historical landmarks such as Heroes Park in Esplanade, Quigney where they viewed a statue commemorating German settlers who arrived in the city in 1857 and 1858.
According to historical records the German settlers played a notable part in the city’s history, with some serving as soldiers brought by the British to bolster military presence during the ‘wars of dispossession,’while others were farming families who arrived in 1858.
In addition the tour made it’s way to Arcadia, where visitors had to visit Art Versatile studio. Founder of Art Versatile Africa Litha Ncokazi shared his passion for art with the tourists saying, “My first love was the creativity, it’s my place that brings me closer to my self that makes me in sync who I am.”
In addition the tour also included Orient theater, a historic ‘slaughterhouse‘ site notable for hosting boxing mega-events. The tourists were particularly interested in the record of Zolani Tete’s fastest knockout in boxing history on the continent and in the world, achieved in just 6 seconds.
Furthermore, tour headed down to one of East London oldest township with a history of Duncan Village Massacre that is celebrating 40 years, this year. The tour reached Duncan Village Heritage Museum which is integral to the cultural and historical fabric of East London. The tourists met with the museum’s founder, Sporie Tshaka who shared the history of the Duncan Village Heritage Museum.
One of the notable stories from Tshaka who undertook a business venture in a family-owned property within the village. After conducting research and acquiring the property from local residents, she initiated the business in 2018 and formally registered it in 2020. The business has been attracting visitors from various parts of the world, including people from Canada.
Tshaka expressed her desire to seek support for initiatives such as establishing a library, given the absence of a nearby library. “My objective is to ensure the business meets national standards,” she added.
The media tour aims to showcase East London’s rich history and diverse heritage, highlighting attractions and historical sites managed by ECPTA and BCM tourism in the Buffalo City Metropolitan area.
